Saxophonist Benny Sharoni At Side Door

Saxophonist Benny Sharoni performs at the Side Door in Old Lyme on Friday

Being compared to Sonny Rollins isn't the worst thing that could happen to a saxophonist. Israeli-born tenor player Benny Sharoni absorbed Rollins' sound through LPs given to him by his mother, then left his kibbutz in the mid-'80s to study jazz in Boston.

Over the last 25 years, Sharoni has made a name for himself as a respected bandleader; "Slant Signature," his first studio recording since 2010, features his longtime quartet — pianist Joe Barbato, bassist Todd Baker, and drummer Steve Langone — with guest spots by trumpeter Jim Rotondi and guitarist Mike Mele.

Sharoni brings his quartet to the Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme on Friday, May 29 at 8:30 p.m. to celebrate the release of "Slant Signature." Tickets are $35. Visit thesidedoorjazz.com for more information.